Meet Our Team

Our Community School

The Y Community School in Victoria operates as an independent alternative school option, offering a school re-engagement program that helps students who find it difficult to thrive in the mainstream education system.

The Y Community School model is based on establishing secondary school campuses for up to 120 students, with an initial focus on Years 10-12. We operate with smaller class sizes and bring together educators, youth workers and counsellors to create a safe and positive environment that draws out students’ strengths and empowers them to create a better future for themselves. To support pathways to further training and/or employment, we offer Vocational and Certificate I, II and III qualifications, as well as Foundation Training (i.e., practical courses and projects aimed at preparing students to enter their preferred training area) and employment connections, such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

To support these students, our school adopts a ‘THRIVE’ framework which takes an evidence-based approach to supporting academic achievement, wellbeing, and transition to employment. Most importantly, the school is a partnership, with students having a voice in shaping their own development.

Whittlesea Campus Leadership Team

Our Campus Leadership Team is the backbone of each of our schools, ensuring that our mission and values are effectively implemented across all campuses.

Our Board

Narelle Sketcher - President

Narelle is an experienced Principal who led Mount Evelyn Christian School for a decade with passion and dedication. She also served as a sessional adjunct lecturer with the National Institute of Christian Education, where she completed her Master’s degree in 2005. Before becoming Principal, she taught in the Senior School at MECS for 13 years. Narelle has also served on the board of Cottage By the Sea, supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now at DCC, she brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to education, student wellbeing and community.

Karen Major - Director

Karen is a passionate leader in human rights, cultural diversity and community inclusion, with more than 30 years’ experience in the disability sector in Australia and overseas. She has led advocacy and systemic change, supporting people with disability to live individualised, community-inclusive lives. Karen holds qualifications in person-centred practice, leadership, governance, risk and auditing, and is a member of the AICD, Institute of Community Directors and Women on Boards.

Sandra McKechnie - Director

Sandra is the Director of the Whittlesea Tech School and has built this into an outward-focused and innovative hub for the area. She has a passion for innovative learning that prepares students for the modern world and the world of work. In her role, Sandra supports all schools in the area and has an interest in students with additional needs and those who do not fit the conventional models of education. Before her role with the Tech School, Sandra spent an extended period in the university sector lecturing in her specialist areas of biology, Microbiology and Immunology.

Amiinah Dulull - Director

Amiinah is a lawyer, working primarily in financial services regulatory and funds management areas of law. Amiinah strives to give back to the community by contributing to not-for-profit organisations, especially to the ones that seek to enable a fairer, more inclusive, and democratic voice of underrepresented groups and perspectives. In a volunteering capacity, Amiinah assisted Refugee Legal as a pro bono lawyer for over a year in 2021 and hopes to further represent the voice of young people at the Board level at Y Whittlesea.

Ru Thomas - Secretary

Ru is a qualified CPA with a Master of Business Administration and more than 20 years’ experience across audit, manufacturing and the not-for-profit sector. She spent 15 years with Y Victoria in various financial roles and has supported Y Whittlesea for the past five years, providing strong financial leadership and governance oversight. Earlier in her career, Ru worked with Ernst & Young in external audit, as well as within commercial manufacturing organisations. Passionate about community, she has served as Treasurer and President of her daughter’s primary school council and is currently Treasurer of All Saints Anglican Church, Greensborough.

Michele Rowse- CEO

Michele Rowse is an accomplished leader with over 30 years’ experience across health, education, property and aquatics. As CEO of Y Whittlesea, she drives transformational outcomes for young people, early education and disability support. Michele is known for strengthening organisational effectiveness, fostering collaborative cultures and delivering community-focused solutions. Her governance experience spans multiple board roles, including YMCA leadership positions nationally and in Victoria. She has championed initiatives supporting disengaged youth, disability inclusion and sustainability. A University of Southern Queensland Business graduate and AICD member, Michele is passionate about inspiring young people and building inclusive, thriving communities.

Megan Noy- Executive Principal

Megan Noy is an experienced educational leader with a background across primary and secondary settings, both interstate and overseas. She brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to inquiry-driven, student-centred learning, underpinned by her experience with the IB PYP and as a Numeracy Coach. Passionate about Cultural Safety and wellbeing, Megan creates inclusive environments where every student feels respected and supported to thrive. She believes wellbeing is central to learning and fosters growth academically, socially and emotionally. Megan brings warmth, leadership and a reflective mindset to every school community.